Page 86 - SAMENA Trends - Jan-Mar 2024

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Uzbekistan Unleashes the Power of Starlink Satellite Internet to Drive Digital

Transformation

Uzbekistan is making significant strides connectivity. The introduction of Starlink and engagement with the digital world.
towards achieving digital inclusivity by has the potential to be a game-changer Nevertheless, as Uzbekistan embarks on
partnering with SpaceX to bring Starlink for Uzbekistan’s economy, education this technological leap, it must confront
satellite services to its territory. This system, healthcare services, and business two critical challenges. Firstly, affordability
collaboration aims to revolutionize sectors. With high-speed internet at their is paramount in ensuring that Starlink
internet access throughout the nation, fingertips, remote and rural communities services are accessible to the average
especially in areas with historically limited can anticipate unprecedented growth citizen. While innovative services often
come with a hefty price tag, economic
accessibility is key to bridging the
digital divide effectively. Secondly, the
environmental impact of deploying a
multitude of satellites into orbit cannot
be overlooked. The issue of space debris
has raised global concerns, compelling
countries like Uzbekistan to consider the
sustainability and planetary consequences
of embracing advanced technologies. In
conclusion, Uzbekistan is forging ahead
into the future by embracing Starlink
and pushing for digital advancement
while remaining cognizant of the broader
aspects of affordability and environmental
preservation. This well-balanced approach
may serve as a blueprint for other nations
seeking to embark on a similar journey of
technological empowerment.

Ofcom Commits to Making More Spectrum Available to Meet the Growing

Demand for Satellite Services

Ofcom has published three documents material impacts on incumbent Spectrum views by 14 June 2024 and plan to set
which aim to enable more spectrum access Access licensees; propose to enable some out our next steps later this year. Finally,
for the growing satellite connectivity sector additional spectrum access for satellite Ofcom is proposing to grant an earth
in the UK. Satellite operators offer a range land terminals – the dishes and antennas station network license to Kepler for its
of broadband services in the UK, such used by customers to connect to a satellite constellation of non-geostationary orbiting
as helping to better connect homes and network – and fixed links; and seek views (NGSO) satellites. Ofcom has received an
businesses in hard-to-reach rural areas, as on demand for unused 28 GHz spectrum application from Kepler to cover its use
well as on trains, in the air and at sea. We blocks in London and Northern Ireland. of terminals – which can be on a building,
are also proposing to make more 28 GHz We are inviting feedback on the proposals in the air or at sea. Kepler already has 15
spectrum available for use by fixed links. by 31 May 2024, and plan to publish our satellites in orbit and plans to launch a
In our decision and further proposals on decision later this year. We are also inviting total of 140 satellites. It says it will use its
the 27.5-30 GHz (‘28 GHz’) band we: set input on the possibility of making spectrum network to support a host of applications,
out our decision, following consultation, to in the Q and V bands (37.5-43.5 GHz, 47.2- from store and forward-based IoT services
make 560 MHz more spectrum available 50.2 GHz and 50.4-52.4 GHz), and E band to real-time data transfer services when the
for use by earth station gateways, which (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) available for network reaches full deployment. We are
are large dishes on the ground that connect satellite gateway earth stations. This is inviting comments on Kepler’s application,
a satellite network to the internet; propose something which satellite operators who and on our proposal to grant the license,
to introduce a new mechanism to enable responded to our 2022 Space Spectrum by 29 April 2024. We will take into account
satellite gateway access to the whole band, Strategy consultation said will be important all responses to this consultation before
subject to consultation processes to avoid to enable future services. We are seeking reaching a final decision.

86 JANUARY-MARCH 2024